Walpole, the official sector body for UK luxury, has made a statement to
the media ahead of the Brexit cabinet meeting today.

Walpole hopes the vocal support from its members presents an opportunity to
urge ministers to put pragmatism and common sense ahead of ideology,
to acknowledge that crashing out of the EU on WTO rules – a no-deal Brexit
– would present the worst possible scenario for business and the
country’s prosperity, and to ask the government, once famous for being the
party of business, to deliver a pro-business Brexit.

Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank in a letter to its members stated: "I want to
ask you to go on the record, to stand up and be counted, and help Walpole
harness the collective voice of Britain’s best loved companies who wish to
continue to make this country a success around the world."

Powerful voices

"Ours are powerful voices. Ours are businesses that not only contribute
£32.2 billion to the economy, and create long-term sustainable employment,
but also drive innovation and export around the world. We want to keep our
businesses in Britain, even though, with complex European supply chains and
just-in-time manufacturing and delivery, it may make less economic sense
for us to do so."

"Walpole also appreciates that negotiation is not a one way street. We
realise that the EU has a responsibility to protect the interests of
European businesses in Britain, which is the fifth biggest market in the
world for luxury goods. Walpole understands that both sides have much to
lose. To this end we will be making representation to our contacts in
Brussels and to our fellow luxury associations in France, Germany, Italy
and Spain, to gather their support."

The full statement reads:

“Walpole’s role is to promote, protect and develop British
luxury worldwide. The British luxury goods sector contributes 32.2 billion
pounds to the economy, employs over 110,000 people and generates over 5bn
pounds in financial contributions to the Exchequer. We export 25bn pounds a
year, commit to manufacturing in the UK, drive innovation and are the
standard bearers for British excellence. We are proud of the prestige we
bring to Brand Britain.

As the voice of British luxury, Walpole urges the government to unite
around a pro-business Brexit and provide three key conditions to ensure
Britain’s world famous brands continue to flourish: Frictionless access to
markets via a customs union; regulatory alignment; and the safeguarding of
access to creative talent and skilled workforce.”

British brands have been pressing for Brexit clarity for today’s meeting on
the future of Brexit. According to Bloomberg, under the newly proposed
customs plans between the UK and EU, business would pay tariffs at the
correct rates at the UK border, depending on whether goods are destined for
end us in the UK or in the EU.